Can't believe it has been over a year since I posted something on this. I am sorry to keep everyone out of the loop. So much has happened since my last post that I am afraid it will take me a while to get things caught up.
Let me start by filling you in on life in the Allaire house. After moving from our little house in Adrian in with my mom, Gifford went back to school for a time. I continued to sub and to search for a teaching job ANYWHERE in the state. I kept busy volunteering at Adrian School in the library or Ashlyn's class most of the time. I enjoyed having a year off from school, but it sure made the budget not good. However, it allowed me to be a room mother for Ashlyn's class and gave Gavin a much needed year of pre-school and speech therapy.
In the late summer of 2011 we moved to Drewsey, Oregon where I am teaching at a one-room schoolhouse, yes they still have them, to a whopping 5 students. I have 1-8th grader, 1-7th grader and 3-1st graders....I LOVE THIS JOB. Although, it has been difficult at times to teach my own child, it has been a God send. The job has a nice 3 bedroom house that came with it, as well as only a walk to school instead of driving 40+ miles. Gifford has had a hard time finding work, but we have found that it is more cost effective to have him stay home with Gavin than to drive 50 miles into Burns and pay a babysitter. He is hoping to find work to do from home and is thinking of going back to school online to get a computer programing degree.
Life here in Drewsey is a little challenging having to travel about 50 miles, just for a gallon of milk, but we make up for it in the peace and quiet we are experiencing. We have made some wonderful friends here and hope to remain here for a long time...God and Government (possible tax cuts may be threatening my job) willing.
Well, I will do my best to post some pictures in the next coming weeks to try and get everything up to speed. We are doing well. Ashlyn is very involved with Basketball right now, making a basket at every game we have been to. Gavin loves having Daddy home and is building quite a relationship with him. And me, well, I am just plugging along.....More stuff to come!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Chistmas Eve/Day 2010
After tracking Santa's journey on NORAD all day, the church candle light service, and mom's Christmas Eve get-together, opening our new jammies, writing a letter to Santa complete with cookies and milk, apple slices for the reindeer, The Night Before Christmas read and teeth brushed and prayers, (whew!)we finally got the kids settled down at about 10:30. This proved to be a long night for mom and dad! We finally got to bed around 2:00 a.m. with Ashlyn up at 3 ready to open presents. I don't think so....she was so excited when she saw all the stuff! Got her back to bed, only to have the dogs wanting out at 4 and Ashlyn up again at 6... *sigh*. She was not impressed when she was told that she had to wait for her brother to wake up.
Letter to and from Santa
The stockings were hung on the mantle with care
New sleds! We finally got enough snow this year for sledding, however, it was all gone by Christmas and we have yet to get enough for sledding again. They are still new.
As my hubby says, "Looks like Christmas thew up here"
Two very happy (and impatient) kids Christmas morning!
There were so many presents, the kids didn't know where to go first. Thanks so much for Renee and Buster for giving us many "gently used" toys. It made our Christmas very special considering how tight it is with Gifford and I both being unemployed.
The hit of the year. Each of the kids got the pillow pet they asked for. They were very excited to get exactly what they asked Santa for!
After opening presents, we had waffles for breakfast and prepared to eat dinner at my Aunt's house with cousins there also. There we ate tons more food and everyone (besides myself, go figure) got in a much needed nap!
We finished off a great day with all of us sitting around the table, singing songs and listening to my talented cousin Derek Kygar play the guitar. This was a Christmas no one will ever forget.
Letter to and from Santa
The stockings were hung on the mantle with care
New sleds! We finally got enough snow this year for sledding, however, it was all gone by Christmas and we have yet to get enough for sledding again. They are still new.
As my hubby says, "Looks like Christmas thew up here"
Two very happy (and impatient) kids Christmas morning!
There were so many presents, the kids didn't know where to go first. Thanks so much for Renee and Buster for giving us many "gently used" toys. It made our Christmas very special considering how tight it is with Gifford and I both being unemployed.
The hit of the year. Each of the kids got the pillow pet they asked for. They were very excited to get exactly what they asked Santa for!
After opening presents, we had waffles for breakfast and prepared to eat dinner at my Aunt's house with cousins there also. There we ate tons more food and everyone (besides myself, go figure) got in a much needed nap!
We finished off a great day with all of us sitting around the table, singing songs and listening to my talented cousin Derek Kygar play the guitar. This was a Christmas no one will ever forget.
Christmas Memories leading up to the big day!
So many activities kept the Allaire clan busy this holiday season! With Ashlyn being in school, there were school activities that kept us busy as well as family and church events.
Ashlyn and Gavin were involved in the Santa's workshop that the school CPT group put on, allowing kids to make decorations and gifts for their families. There was also an appearance by the "fat man" himself. The spoiler was the man playing Santa's son, saw him come out of the bathroom in "uniform" but no beard. LOL. He was sure to tell EVERYONE that his daddy was Santa.
Our little church here in Adrian put on a Women's Holiday Luncheon as an outreach to all the women in our community. We had over 50 in attendance, with holiday music, and a speaker discussing Christmas traditions from around the world. It was such a lovely day!
That evening, my hubby and children put together our little gingerbread village, complete with outhouse. What a fun time!
However, a certain little boy got the munchies throughout the night and decided to sample the village. The roofs of many houses were affected by our little Gavinzilla.
Mom's "friend" Daniel Williams played Santa riding in on the firetruck, at the community park for the tree lighting and carol sing where he heard the wishes and desires of the local children. When leaving the event Ashlyn said, "Mommy, that was the REAL Santa. He even knew our names without us telling him!" Too cute!
This picture was taken when the kids wanted to help make holiday goodies. They were too cute in their little chef outfits.
The entire elementary put on a concert called "Holiday of Music". Ashlyn's class was involved in 4 different numbers telling how music is such a huge part of the holiday season. The song her class did themselves was about a gingerbread man. Here it is, almost Valentine's day, and we are still singing the songs of their holiday concert. :)
Ashlyn's class party. She had wonderful refreshments and instead of a traditional gift exchange, the students were allowed to go to "Mr. J's Junk Store" (of the letter people they learned) and was able to pick out gifts there for everyone in their family. Ashlyn picked out a little ghost puppet for her brother, a stuffed rainbow bear for her daddy and a very soft pick bunny for me. I have been a teacher for many years and have never seen this. I think it is a great idea. Kudos to Mrs. Ellsworth (Ashlyn's teacher) for reinforcing that Christmas is about giving, not receiving presents.
Our little hambone. While trying to get holiday pictures, this was the best one of Gavin. *sigh* maybe one day we can get him to pose for the camera.
I am in soooo much trouble. What a little angel!
Believe it or not, they are the best of friends!
Finally, a decent family photo!
Ashlyn and Gavin were involved in the Santa's workshop that the school CPT group put on, allowing kids to make decorations and gifts for their families. There was also an appearance by the "fat man" himself. The spoiler was the man playing Santa's son, saw him come out of the bathroom in "uniform" but no beard. LOL. He was sure to tell EVERYONE that his daddy was Santa.
Our little church here in Adrian put on a Women's Holiday Luncheon as an outreach to all the women in our community. We had over 50 in attendance, with holiday music, and a speaker discussing Christmas traditions from around the world. It was such a lovely day!
That evening, my hubby and children put together our little gingerbread village, complete with outhouse. What a fun time!
However, a certain little boy got the munchies throughout the night and decided to sample the village. The roofs of many houses were affected by our little Gavinzilla.
Mom's "friend" Daniel Williams played Santa riding in on the firetruck, at the community park for the tree lighting and carol sing where he heard the wishes and desires of the local children. When leaving the event Ashlyn said, "Mommy, that was the REAL Santa. He even knew our names without us telling him!" Too cute!
This picture was taken when the kids wanted to help make holiday goodies. They were too cute in their little chef outfits.
The entire elementary put on a concert called "Holiday of Music". Ashlyn's class was involved in 4 different numbers telling how music is such a huge part of the holiday season. The song her class did themselves was about a gingerbread man. Here it is, almost Valentine's day, and we are still singing the songs of their holiday concert. :)
Ashlyn's class party. She had wonderful refreshments and instead of a traditional gift exchange, the students were allowed to go to "Mr. J's Junk Store" (of the letter people they learned) and was able to pick out gifts there for everyone in their family. Ashlyn picked out a little ghost puppet for her brother, a stuffed rainbow bear for her daddy and a very soft pick bunny for me. I have been a teacher for many years and have never seen this. I think it is a great idea. Kudos to Mrs. Ellsworth (Ashlyn's teacher) for reinforcing that Christmas is about giving, not receiving presents.
Our little hambone. While trying to get holiday pictures, this was the best one of Gavin. *sigh* maybe one day we can get him to pose for the camera.
I am in soooo much trouble. What a little angel!
Believe it or not, they are the best of friends!
Finally, a decent family photo!
Thanksgiving 2010
Wow! How quickly we get behind in blogging! Here it is almost February and I still haven't even posted the holidays. I just can't seem to find the time. Ahh! The joys of being a mommy to little ones.
As usual, we spent the Thanksgiving holiday with Gifford's side of the family. We had the usual people, Scott and Lonnie Allaire with their beautiful kiddos Rocky, Payson, and Rylynn. Big and Cori Farmer, with their boys Coyote, AJ and Conrad. Buck and Sam Allaire with Bailey and Barrett (still in the oven), Buster with Girlfriend/fiance Renee and their 3 children combined, Dakota, Shyanne, and Rayne. Grandma Betty, Uncle Billy, and countless friends in and out. We had a house full but a great time!
This is Renee's beautiful daughter Raynee. She will (hopefully) soon be an "official" member of the family.
WHAT A FACE! This is my niece Bailey. She is such a little stinker! This was her "smile" for the camera.
Beautiful Rylynn. Scott and Lonnie's little one was fascinated by this table. Crawled around it many times.
Smaller bird this year. Only 45 lbs! Marilyn grew this bird herself and was pretty proud of how it turned out. Sure was yummy!
As usual, we spent the Thanksgiving holiday with Gifford's side of the family. We had the usual people, Scott and Lonnie Allaire with their beautiful kiddos Rocky, Payson, and Rylynn. Big and Cori Farmer, with their boys Coyote, AJ and Conrad. Buck and Sam Allaire with Bailey and Barrett (still in the oven), Buster with Girlfriend/fiance Renee and their 3 children combined, Dakota, Shyanne, and Rayne. Grandma Betty, Uncle Billy, and countless friends in and out. We had a house full but a great time!
This is Renee's beautiful daughter Raynee. She will (hopefully) soon be an "official" member of the family.
WHAT A FACE! This is my niece Bailey. She is such a little stinker! This was her "smile" for the camera.
Beautiful Rylynn. Scott and Lonnie's little one was fascinated by this table. Crawled around it many times.
Smaller bird this year. Only 45 lbs! Marilyn grew this bird herself and was pretty proud of how it turned out. Sure was yummy!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Preparing for Party
Well, one of Ashlyn's friends has a b-day like the day before Halloween. So, we were deciding to wear costumes or not...and Gifford....decided wouldn't it be fun to scare the kids...
Sporting Ashlyn's vampire teeth and his riding goggles.
Ashlyn decided she wanted to try on daddy's costume. LOL. What a funny little girl.
So on to the party we went. Ashlyn had such a fun time with all her little friends while Gavin and Brooks hung out in the house...
The best part was the bounce house....absolutely HUGE. It was big enough that all the kids could get in there at the same time. We got them out, long enough for a picture...
...and yes, that is MY son....throwing a fit, face down in the gravel...time for a nap!
Sporting Ashlyn's vampire teeth and his riding goggles.
Ashlyn decided she wanted to try on daddy's costume. LOL. What a funny little girl.
So on to the party we went. Ashlyn had such a fun time with all her little friends while Gavin and Brooks hung out in the house...
The best part was the bounce house....absolutely HUGE. It was big enough that all the kids could get in there at the same time. We got them out, long enough for a picture...
...and yes, that is MY son....throwing a fit, face down in the gravel...time for a nap!
While Erin was home from Germany, we went to her mom's house in Ontario, to spend time with her and her precious children.
Elizabeth "Ellie" posing for the camera.
Sorry Erin, I had to post it. The only one I got of Erin her entire time here. For those of you who don't know, she is more like a sister to me than a cousin. We grew up together, and she was the matron of honor in my wedding. Her being half way around the world is hard, but I am glad she is enjoying Germany and I thank her husband and other like him for his sacrifice serving in the US military.
Ashlyn showing us her missing tooth.
Gavin posing with his witch hat on.
The kids posing for a picture.
Elizabeth "Ellie" posing for the camera.
Sorry Erin, I had to post it. The only one I got of Erin her entire time here. For those of you who don't know, she is more like a sister to me than a cousin. We grew up together, and she was the matron of honor in my wedding. Her being half way around the world is hard, but I am glad she is enjoying Germany and I thank her husband and other like him for his sacrifice serving in the US military.
Ashlyn showing us her missing tooth.
Gavin posing with his witch hat on.
The kids posing for a picture.
The Corn Maze
This year, K-3 went to the Corn Maze in Ontario. Here students got to try their hand and winding through a maze cut into a corn field. There were tons of kids there and parents too...Our cousins visiting from Germany even made it there! We had such a wonderful time.
Ashlyn listening intently on what the owner had to say about staying with your group so that you don't get lost.
Most of the Adrian kids.
We first went on a hay ride of the property in wagons that were covered like the ones on the Oregon trail. These are some kids in Ashlyn's class and Gavin's preschool teacher Ms. Krissy
More of Ashlyn's classmates...(the little boy in the red is her "boyfriend" Jace) what a cute group.
Ashlyn and her cousins from Germany Andrew, Ellie, and their Mimi Kathy.
My cousins Kathy and Jay brought their visiting grandkids to the pumpkin patch to give their mom an nice break while she was here.
Gavin and Daddy bringing up the rear of the excursion.
Ashlyn listening intently on what the owner had to say about staying with your group so that you don't get lost.
Most of the Adrian kids.
We first went on a hay ride of the property in wagons that were covered like the ones on the Oregon trail. These are some kids in Ashlyn's class and Gavin's preschool teacher Ms. Krissy
More of Ashlyn's classmates...(the little boy in the red is her "boyfriend" Jace) what a cute group.
Ashlyn and her cousins from Germany Andrew, Ellie, and their Mimi Kathy.
My cousins Kathy and Jay brought their visiting grandkids to the pumpkin patch to give their mom an nice break while she was here.
Gavin and Daddy bringing up the rear of the excursion.
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